Our Lady of the Sign

Catholic Church

Icon of Our Lady of the Sign History

Understanding the icon of Our Lady of the Sign

Icons have often been described as windows into heaven. .

The icon of Our Lady of the Sign is an icon of the Most Holy Virgin. In Greek, the Mother of God is called “Theotokos”. This term, appeared in the region of Alexandria, Egypt in the first half of the third century. In 431 at the Council of Ephesus (in Turkey), the council Fathers formally declared Mary, the Mother of God.

This type of image of the Theotokos was already evident in the catacombs of the first Christians. She is depicted on these icons with her hands lifted up to the level of her head, with elbows bent. Historically, this gesture has signified a prayerful appeal to God.

The icon of the Virgin Mary referred to the "Icon of the Sign" is taken from the Prophet Isaiah's message, "Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel (meaning, God with us.)" Is 7:14

Elements present in the icon of Our Lady of the Sign

The icon of Virgin Mary is facing the viewer directly with her hands raised in the orans (prayerful) position, and with the image of the Christ depicted within a round aureole representing the womb.

The colors have a special meaning: red and purple are signs of the divine while blue often represents the earth.

Her aureole signifies that She is Holy and the Queen. The gold cuffs on her sleeves are fit for a Queen, and indicate her intercession for the people.

Mary is sometimes called “Platítera”, i.e. “Greater than Heaven", since the Virgin has conceived in her womb Him whom the heavens can not contain.

The three stars on the Virgin (forehead, right shoulder, left shoulder) signify that She was a Virgin before, during and after the birth of Christ. She is dedicated to the coming of the Kingdom of the Son of God..

In the Icon of the Our Lady of the Sign, the Christ is presented at the moment of his conception in the womb of the Virgin. He is depicted not as a fetus, but rather as a child with adult face in the potential of the humanity. He is the Son of God, divine and human.

The mandorla is an ancient symbol of two circles coming together, overlapping one another, symbolizing the interactions and interdependence of opposing worlds and forces. The early Christians used the symbol as a method to describe the coming together of heaven and earth, between the divine and human.

Inside the mandorla, appears the King of the Universe. The letters IC XC (abbreviation of the Greek words for "Jesus Christ").

He appears vested in divine robes of gold that symbolize his divine glory.

His halo proclaims his divinity: "I am who I am".

His right hand is raised in blessing. His left hand is holding a scroll, the new law, the new teachings, the Gospel symbolic of his role as teacher .

This icon is from the Early Church when there were no divisions between East and West. It invites for openness in relations among Christians of various confessions.

The icon presupposes respect for one another and knowledge of a common history as well as a sensitivity in carrying out any actions in places where other Christian traditions have existed.

Our Lady of the Sign presents Jesus as the new Sun who rises on the horizon of humanity. He comforts the poor, the afflicted, the fearful and the anxious by becoming their treasure, their joy and their hope.

History of the Our Lady of the Sign Church

Our Lady of the Sign Church began as a mission attached to St. Basil Church of Miami. On September 8, 1979 Fr. Peter Lickman, pastor of St. Basil Byzantine Catholic Church, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the home of a parishioner in North Broward County. This was in response to a gasoline shortage. Shortly thereafter, a civic center was rented. Liturgy was celebrated at the Civic Center weekly from 1980 through August of 1988.

Bishop Michael Dudlick believed there was a tremendous potential in missionary work in the state of Florida, and invested diocesan financial support and clergy. Many parishes were established during 1970’s and 1980’s because of his vision, including Our Lady of the Sign Church .

On March 25, 1984 the mission was established as a separate parish and placed under the patronage of the Mother of God with the title of "Our Lady of the Sign". The name is taken from the book of the Prophet Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord will give this sign: The Virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall call Him Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

Fr Michael Kane, PH D was assigned as the first resident pastor. Deacon Frank Shaefer assisted for many years until relocating to the Daytona beach area.

In June 1985 negotiations for property consisting of three acres and a large home in a rapidly developing area was completed. The closing took place November 20, 1985. A building project began less than a year later. The existing structure with additions and extensive renovations was used to construct a church. The landscaping and parking lot were completed. On August 28, 1988 the parish family finally moved into its new church and celebrated its first Divine Liturgy. On Sunday 23, 1989 Bishop Michael Dudick solemnly dedicated the church. The church seats approximately 100 people.

The sanctuary is spacious with white onyx altars and beautiful iconography. An icon screen was completed in 1993.The parish is multi-cultural as is the local area. Diverse people attend Our Lady of the Sign and make it the unique parish it is.

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